Healthy
Cooking Blog: Outside-the-Box Smoothie

Raw Cashews in a banana
smoothie, I've never heard of such a thing? Raw cashews can be pureed into a powder and used as a
thickening
agent, which is why they are great for smoothies. Most importantly,
cashews are a powerhouse food that have many health benefits. Not only
are they lower in fat content than most other nuts,
approximately
75% of their fat is heart-healthy monounsaturated fat. Cashews are also
rich in antioxidants. Antioxidants help in eliminating free radicals
that cause cancer. Cashew nuts are high in copper, which is very good
for flexibility in bones, joints and blood vessels. The cashew nut's
high magnesium content also take credit for its healthy heart qualities
plus cashews are high in trypotphan an amino acid that aids in
relaxation.

Finding fun ways to enjoy cashews is one my favorite outside-the-box
techniques to help you take one small step toward improving your
health.

Shopping List for Cashew
Smoothies:

All products on this shopping list can be found at Trader Joes, which
offers inexpensive, organic options. There are locations in Livermore,
Pleasanton, and San Ramon.

STEP 1: Add 1/2 cup of raw cashews to
a standard blender. Make sure the inside of your blender is
dry before adding cashews. STEP 2: Blend
until cashews become a powder- approximately 1 minute.STEP 3: Scrap
down the inside of the blender with a spatula to push down powdered
cashew to the bottom of the blender. STEP 4: Add
1 cup non-dairy milk, frozen banana, maple syrup, and spices to the
powdered cashew mixture. Blend for 2 minutes until mixture is smooth
and frozen banana is fully blended.
Pour Creamy Cashew Smoothie into a cup and serve. Makes 2 1/4
cups.